In my opinion you should not hesitate about some sort of
autopilot/selfsteeringsystem, if you want to sail alone. Not only for handling the sails, but for also for being able to respond to different sort of calls of nature, whether it concerns output or input. You may need food or something warm to drink.
From time to time you will need both hands for the
compass or
charts or other functions concerning dead reckoning. Having an
autopilot is almost better than a crew member (it does not crave sleep or beer).
With an
autopilot you set the course directly in the winds eye and let the engine run at a speed to balance the wind and you have all the time in the world to handle your sails.